Balanced gate mechanism

Abstract

A balanced gate assembly utilizing plastic or vinyl fencing materials includes a rotatable center post that balances loads. An inner post assembly includes a bearing along a central axis for supporting the load of the gate. The balanced gate assembly carries loads along the center post to provide for the utilization of light weight materials such as plastic and vinyl.

1. A vinyl gate assembly comprising:
 a fixed support structure mounted along a vertical axis; 
 a center post defining an inner cavity and rotatable about said vertical axis relative to said fixed support; 
 a first vertical post and a second vertical post spaced apart horizontally from said center post; 
 a plurality of horizontal rails connecting said center post to said first vertical post and said second vertical post; 
 a bearing attached to said center post and rotatably supported on said fixed support; 
 a single ball bearing centered on said vertical axis and supported on said fixed support; and 
 a support rod centered on said vertical axis and supported on said single ball bearing and attached to said center post. 
 
     
     
       2. The assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said bearing comprises an inner opening for said fixed support and an outer periphery for attaching said center post. 
     
     
       3. The assembly as recited in  claim 2 , including an intermediate post attached to said outer periphery of said bearing and to said center post. 
     
     
       4. The assembly as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said intermediate post is circular and said center post is square. 
     
     
       5. The assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said support rod is supported on said single ball bearing on a first end and is attached to said center post on a second end such that said center post rotates about said vertical axis. 
     
     
       6. The assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first vertical post, said second vertical post and said center post are fabricated from plastic. 
     
     
       7. The assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first vertical post, said second vertical post and said center post are fabricated from vinyl.